Our people
INF Australia is powered by a love for Nepal and its people.
We're committed to responding in faith and reaching out in love beside our partners in some of Nepal's most disadvantaged communities.
We're an inclusive organisation, harnessing the skills and commitment of volunteers and staff from across Australia.
Meet the team
Ben Thurley
CEO
“Walking, sharing and praying with groups and communities in Nepal as they work together to seek a better future for all, is a constant challenge for me and a deep source of joy.” CEO since 2019, Ben has worked in advocacy, education and leadership for Christian NGOs, including in Nepal, for over 20 years. Ben has teaching and theological qualifications.
Cath Taylor
Communications Manager
“My favourite part of the work is spending time with and learning from our partners and project participants – their stories give me new ways to see the world.” Cath joined the team as Communications Manager in 2022. With degrees in communications, theology and teaching, she brings ten years experience telling stories and inspiring Australian supporters to pray, give and advocate alongside international partners.
Peggy Franks
Volunter Support Consultant
"I value volunteering with a team of dedicated staff at INFA whose focus is on serving the poor and marginalised in Nepal. I love that INFA values and appreciates the gifts and talents a volunteer brings to the organisation." Peggy has a wealth of experience serving in Nepal as well as providing professional and pastoral support to expatriate volunteers serving cross-culturally. She is completing an MA in Member Care and provides coaching and mentoring to volunteers working in Nepal.
Rhianne Jeyakumar
Nepal Programs Officer
“After spending time in Nepal on a student placement, I fell love with the country and people. It’s such a privilege to be a part of a passionate and motivated team that is so committed to seeing positive change in Nepal.” Rhianne joined the Nepal Programs team in 2021. Rhianne is an international development professional with a keen interest in child protection and forced migration. Focusing on capacity building and empowerment, Rhianne has worked with various communities both in Australia and abroad.
Roger Thompson
Finance Manager
“Working closely with a small group of staff in Sydney who have mainly previously worked in Nepal and are very committed to assisting groups and communities in Nepal and seeing the loyalty of donors and supporters is very rewarding”. Finance Manager since October 2020, Roger has over 30 years experience in commerce and the profession with roles in two well known NFP’s over the past 12 years. Roger has Chartered Accountant and Bachelor of Commerce qualifications.
Russ Hancock
Nepal Programs Manager
“I love being part of the team and being involved in the shared progress of our partnerships in Nepal.” Working as Projects Lead / Nepal Programs Manager since 2010, Russ brings a wealth of experience in community development, training, and monitoring and evaluation, including six years working with INF in Nepal. Russ has qualifications in Linguistics, Education and a Masters of Social Change and Development.
Santosh Nepali
Nepal Programs Officer
Santosh joined the Nepal Programs team in 2021. With a degree in Sociology and Rural Development, Santosh has a wealth of experience in project management, leadership, and cross-cultural awareness training.
Our Board
INF Australia’s Board members are committed Christians who volunteer time and skills to oversee the organisation’s governance, direction and accountability.
Ravi Underwood
Board Chair
Finance and Risk Committee
CFO and business manager
William Hood
Deputy Chair
Fundraising & Policy Committees
Manager Library and Information Services, Moore College
Richard Reeve
Acting Treasurer
Finance and Risk Committee
FCPA, Ministry Leader, Churches of Christ NSW
Nicola McGunnigle
Policy Committee
Environmental Scientist and PhD student
Kate Clark
Partnerships Committee
GP and Travel Medicine specialist
Richard Groves
Finance and Risk Committee
Chief Risk Officer, Volt Bank
Rudra Paudel
Fundraising Committee
Church elder, owner/manager Red Rooster
Steph Judd
Policy Committee
Lawyer, ProLegis
